Chartered Geographer (Teacher)

The Action Plan for Geography was launched in 2006 as a DCSF funded joint project between the Royal Geographical Society with IBG and the Geographical Association. Chartered Geographer (Teacher) is one of the initiatives introduced as part of the ‘Development’ strand.

What is CGeog (Teacher)? Chartered Geographer (Teacher) is the only ongoing professional accreditation linked to CPD in Geography Relevant to the TDA framework of professional and occupational standards for teachers. Can support your application for a leadership or Advanced Teacher role.

Demonstrates your commitment to professional development Shows you are working beyond your specific teaching duties Enhances your career portfolio and employability What are the benefits of being a CGeog (Teacher)?

‘This status has greatly benefited myself, members of the department and my students’ Garry Atterton, a CGeog of five years standing 'The Chartered Geographer status provides committed geographers with a visible stamp of their continuing interest in the development of geography as a discipline. CGeog (Teachers) are active within their discipline, both keeping abreast through frequent professional development and also playing an active role in developing the curriculum' Andrew Lee, a Chartered Geographer and Head of Geography at Dulwich College, Shanghai What do CGeogs have to say…?

“The application process was very straight forward and not particularly time consuming. It certainly gave me the opportunity to sit and reflect on my contribution to the development of the subject. It was an opportunity to present my Headteacher with details of work that I have carried out that supports the development of the subject. Achievement of this status makes me feel that the work I have undertaken is recognised and valued”. Louise Ellis, CGeog (Teacher) What do CGeogs have to say….

What are the criteria? Honours degree in geography or related subject (60% geography content) or B.Ed with geography (or 15 years teaching experience if no relevant degree is held). at least six years teaching experience. commitment to CPD, embedding it in your own practice, and supporting others.

Completed and signed CGeog (Teacher) application form Extended Curriculum Vitae- Similar to a CV you would submit for a Head of Geography role Professional Self Evaluation Report word expansion of CV experiences, examples found at Apply

Two cited referees- people who know you in a professional capacity Record of Continuing Professional Development – optional but useful CGeog (Teacher) application (£50) and Fellowship fees (£82) (if applicable). Apply

What makes a successful application? Rex Walford, Chartered Geographer (Teacher) Assessor.

What makes a successful application? Some things to avoid; 1) Sending documents which have clearly been used for applications for other things and which are not directly focussed on the CGeog application 2) Padding out the application with supplementary material (e.g. classroom units of work, OFSTED comments) which only demonstrates that you are successfully fulfilling responsibilities in a job for which you are already being paid. 3) Writing a personal statement which is simply an expression of enthusiasm for geography; the statement needs to focus on why you wish to be a Chartered Geographer and how your track record is relevant to it.

What makes a successful application? Some things to include; 1)At least one reference which will refer to your work in geography beyond your immediate school context 2) Evidence of how you have ‘ gone the extra mile’ for geography in situations beyond your school (e.g. published articles and books, the leading of local meetings, initiation of new projects, committee work for RGS-IBG/GA etc). 3) A statement of how you think that the CGeog award will be useful to you in the future.

CGeog and the Geography Quality Marks I am involved in the Geography Quality Mark, how can becoming a CGeog (Teacher) help me? GQM evaluation asks that you provide evidence that you are participating in regular CPD opportunities. GQM evaluation asks that your department is making "links..beyond the department in order to inform and enhance the geography curriculum" Having a Chartered Geographer (Teacher) in your department will forge local links between your school and others We know that any teacher who is involved in either scheme has assessed both their role in the department and their department's work against a set of requirements.

Paul Hunt, Chartered Geographer (Teacher) St Peter’s High School, Essex. SGQM department. Why I feel that SGQM and CGeog are important. I wanted to show that the work the geography department does was recognised as being of a high quality, not just by the SLT of the school but by fellow geographers. The SGQM and CGeog allowed us to achieve this. The CGeog scheme works well with the SGQM as there is a requirement for CPD, which if you are not careful gets limited by schools. I can now say that I require CPD as part of my CGeog status, which my school are willing to do. CGeog and the Geography Quality Marks

CGeog (Teacher) regional networks have taken place so far in: Lancashire Kent Bristol Derbyshire London Regional networks consist of: Lead CGeog (Teacher/s) Funding from RGS-IBG once network proposal is submitted Network page on GTT website for sharing resources etc CGeog (Teacher) mentoring Regional CPD Networks

Martin Crabbe, Chartered Geographer (Teacher) Glebe School, Bromley, Kent Bromley Geography Project- CGeog regional CPD network 6 local schools Fieldwork / sustainability focus Project funded by RGS-IBG CGeog (Teacher) mentoring

The future of CGeog (Teacher) Mentoring network for aspiring CGeog (Teachers) Free regional CPD opportunities CGeog (Teacher) events and networking Get involved in Society / Action Plan for Geography projects

For more information Claire Wheeler Professional and Communications Officer Action Plan for Geography Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) 1 Kensington Gore London SW7 2AR E: T: recognition/chartered-geographer/